Whirling Submission - Rumi Tapestry

Known to the west as Whirling Dervishes, the members of the Mevlevi Order (named for their founder Mevlana) practice this Sufi ritual, which dates to the 13th century, which is full of symbolism. The full skirts represent the ego’s shroud. The camel-hair conical headdresses symbolizes the ego’s tomb, and the twirling itself acknowledges that everything — from the Earth to the atom — is constantly revolving. As the Dervishes extend their arms, their right palms face up and the left palms face downward. One hand is receiving (beneficence) from God, the other hand is delivering to the people. This form of dance which is known as “Sema” is not just a routine movement of the body and arms but a spiritual experience that combines the music,...